Janette Alta Young

Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary 2060 Commerce Drive North Mankato, Minnesota 56003 507-388-2288 Janette Alta (Mayer) Young, age 92, of Lake Washington, Kasota, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Sunday April 19, 2015. She was committed to the love of her life, Loy (Rock) Young, and celebrated 72 years of marriage. As a testament to their "true love" story, Rock passed away 3 weeks prior to Janette. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at 10:30AM, at Northview - North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, MN. Lunch and Celebration of Life will follow from 11:00AM to 12:30PM. Burial at Glenwood Cemetery, Mankato, MN will take place at 1:00 PM. In honor of Janette's artistic talents and flair for life, the family has chosen to wear clothing at the celebration that includes bright, springtime colors! Janette was born August 7, 1922 in Lake View, Iowa to John Arthur Mayer and Mamie Erickson Mayer. She met her husband, Loy (Rock) Young at Mankato TC High School and they became high school sweethearts. They were married on June 26, 1943 in West Virginia, before Loy was deployed overseas for military service. Janette and Loy were blessed with seven children: Jerry (Mary) Young, Prior Lake, MN; Tom (Mary) Young, Sparta, WI; Judy Blume, Kasota, MN; Bob (Vicki) Young, Mankato, MN; Barb (Bill) Dale, Willmar, MN; Donna Bourne, Tucson, AZ; and Ken (Brenda) Young, Azle, TX. Janette was the proud grandmother of nineteen grandchildren: Jeff (Jessica) Young, Kristen Young, Jim (Colleen) Young, Jenny (Brian) Brooks, David (Jamie) Young, Ashley (Gabe) Miller, Brenda Blume; Amy (Brett) Jordan, Ross (Stephanie) Blume, Laurie (Chris) Steele, Joel Young, Shelly Young, Jason Young, Lance Davis, Corey Davis, Josh (Katie) Dale, Katie (Ryan) Munson, Nate (fiancee Karin) Dale and Brendon Bourne. She is also survived by twenty-two great-grandchildren! Janette is survived by her brother, Wayne (Lori) Mayer; sister-in-law, Alice (John, deceased) Mayer; sister-in law, Nila (Roger, deceased) Barkley, CA; sister-in-law, Elsa (James, deceased) Young, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Janette was preceded in death by her husband, Loy (Rock) Young, her parents, John and Mamie Mayer; sister, Elinor; and brothers, John and Ron. Janette's educational accomplishments include earning a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of Minnesota and a Master's Degree in Health Science at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. Janette was a pioneer in the 1950's as she was successful in balancing her career along with managing the responsibilities of a large family. She began her teaching career as an instructor at Mankato State College, Mankato, MN. She then taught one year at Mountain Lake Junior High in Minnesota and one year at Dickenson, North Dakota State College. After moving to Chadron, Nebraska she directed a dance studio which included up to 100 students. Upon her return to Mankato, Janette became an Elementary Physical Education teacher in the Mankato School District. Upon completion of her Master's Degree she taught Health Education at Mankato West and East High Schools. Janette was recognized for outstanding service in her profession by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Recreation. She was honored with the School Health Award from the Minnesota Association and the distinguished Honor Award from the Central District. Janette retired in 1984 after 35 years of teaching! Janette's greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed all types of music, played the organ, and loved to dance! Her artistic talents included painting and many varieties of crafts. Janette utilized photographs from family celebrations to create table placemats which are now a family favorite! In retirement, Janette was able to enjoy traveling, and celebrating life with family and friends in both Minnesota and Arizona. We are all fortunate to have shared in Janette's life. She made a lasting impact as a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend, and teacher. The family will be directing memorials to an Educational Foundation in Janette's honor.